Chlorhexidine for Gingivitis

Along with regular brushing and flossing, chlorhexidine helps treat gingivitis.

Approximately 52.9 percent of Americans over the age of 20 suffer from gingivitis, reports the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dentists use a number of treatments for the condition, including the prescription medication chlorhexidine.

Function

Gingivitis is caused by the presence of bacteria along your gum line. Chlorhexidine works by piercing through the protective layers of bacterial cells, causing the cells to die.

Types

Chlorhexidine comes in two forms: a liquid oral rinse and a chip that can be placed into the pocket formed by your gum's lifting away from your teeth. The latter type is typically used along with root scaling or planing--procedures used to remove built up tartar and plaque.

Time Frame

Dentists typically prescribe the rinse form of chlorhexidine to be swished in your mouth for 30 seconds once per day in a 15 mL dosage, reports the Mayo Clinic. The chip version is typically prescribed once every three months as long as the condition persists, according to RxList.

Warning

Although effective at eliminating bacteria, chlorhexidine does not remove plaque or tartar, explains the Mayo Clinic. Even with the medication, regular brushing and flossing are necessary for good oral health.

Considerations

Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, doctors rarely prescribe chlorhexidine for the treatment of gingivitis in pregnant women. If you have front tooth fillings or a history of periodontitis, it may not be safe for you to use chlorhexidine, cautions the Mayo clinic.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Chlorhexidine (Oral Route)
• RxList: Periochip
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Periodontal Disease